The first female Marines to ever attend infantry training with the Infantry Training Battalion, completed the first week of training on September 28th. School of Infantry-East, at Marine Corps Base Camp Geiger, N.C.
Fifteen female Marines began the training after graduation from boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C.
The fifteen women were among 119 recent graduates from recruit training. 48 women met the physical requirements for the course but only 19 volunteered to join. Four later opted out, instead choosing to attend Marine Combat Training.
It’s part of ongoing research on the incorporation of women into combat-related jobs following the lifting of the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Assignment Restriction earlier this year.
The lifting means that all services are required to implement a plan to completely integrate women into combat positions by 2016.
All Marines attending the infantry training are expected to meet the same physical standard, known as the “ITB standard,” during scored events — regardless of gender. The standards of the battalion have not changed; they are the same standards outlined by the Marine Corps prior to the start of the current research.
Upon completion of the course, the female Marines will not be awarded the 0311 infantry job designator and will proceed to their previously selected occupational specialty training.
Click here to read more about the women’s training at the Marines Blog.
